interest of C-reactive protein in infectious diseases

ABSTRACT

Discovered since 1930, the CRP knows an actual regain of interest because of a better knowledge of its bilogic functions and progress in its technic dosage [immunoturbidimetry, immunonephelometry.] wich lead to a rapid dosage [15 min] quantitative and sensitive result which required only a few blood drops obtained by a simple puncture of a finger edge or heel wich is important in Pediatric. A high level of CRP enable the practician to predict a bacterial infection. The fact that it doesn't cross over the placentea barrier gives it a great interest during the neo-natal period. Due to its cinetic it leads to an early diagnosis and accurate supervision. A very high level can have a predictive value of sequelaes developement. In the case of favorable evolution the plasmatic level decrease 24h before fever decrease. If the level remains high dispite the treatment, the antibiotherapy is not effective. The level decreasing followed by an increasing means complication. The CRP dosage is indicated in the diagnosis and supervision of neo-natal infection, miningitis and tract urinary infection. It has not any practic interest in acute respiratrory infection and practically no interest in gastro-enteritis